What comes to your mind when you hear Nepal? Probably the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. What could be better than trekking to its lap, AKA the base camp? It is one of the most celebrated treks in Nepal and the entire world. The duration of the Everest Base Camp trek is about 12 days to 14 days long and requires a few special permits.
Permits refer to official documents / trekking licenses issued by either the national or local government. The main motives of permits are environmental and cultural conservation, ecosystem protection, and trekkers’ welfare. When you trek without a permit it is a serious violation of law. Those who trek without them are liable to fines or jail time (sometimes both).
In more serious cases, one gets a ban from trekking to the country again. So, just like any other legal rules of the nation, abide by the rules of needing permits and traveling freely.
What Are The Permits Needed For Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base camp trek is one of Nepal’s most sought-after and most celebrated treks and requires three permits namely Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, and Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (required for an alternative route only that is when you trek to Lukla via Jiri).
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
To trek through a national park, trekkers need a National park entry permit. As you walk through the Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest Base Camp trek, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is a must.
One can get this permit from several places, namely the Nepal Tourism Board office at Bhrikutimandap Kathmandu. And the Sagarmatha National Park entrance point at Monjo. You can also get the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit via the Nepal Tourism Board’s website.
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
This permit is mandatory to enter the Khumbu region. The local government of Khumbu has recently implemented a trekking license/permit, so you have to obtain it. You can get it from the Tourist Information Center in Lukla or Monjo.
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is a mandatory document required to enter the Khumbu region. This permit is essential for trekkers embarking on journeys through areas governed by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. It serves as an entry authorization, ensuring that trekkers have the necessary permission to access the region.
To obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, trekkers typically need to visit designated offices or tourist information centers in Lukla or Monjo. These offices facilitate the application process and issue the permit upon completion of the required paperwork and payment of any associated fees.
The permit is an important aspect of trekking in the Everest region, as it not only grants legal access but also contributes to local governance and conservation efforts. Additionally, it helps authorities keep track of visitors and ensure the responsible management of tourism activities in the area.
Overall, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is an essential document for trekkers planning to explore the breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage of the Khumbu region during their journey to Everest Base Camp.
What is the total cost for all the permits needed for the Everest Base Camp trek?
The total cost varies slightly depending on your nationality. One doesn’t need the Gaurishankar permit for the Lukla trial. Therefore, the cost of a permit differs depending on the trek route. However, the total generally ranges from Nepali rupees 1500 / USD 11.23 to 3000 /USD 22.45 per person. Let’s break down the cost of individual permits.
What is the process of getting the permits for the Everest Base Camp trek?
To get any of the permits needed for the Everest Base camp trek, you first need to visit the authorized governmental body or place with the authority to provide the license. After arriving there, you need to talk to the official working there and provide them with your destination and itinerary.
Then, give all the documents they ask for and follow their guidance. Finally, pay the liable amount, and you are done. For online access, just go to the website and follow the instructions.
One needs a passport-size photo and a photocopy of the Passport for Sagarmatha National Park.
Do You need an authorized guide to obtain the Everest Base Camp trek permits?
No, you do not need a guide to get the Everest Base Camp trek permit. Even though the rule of no solo trekker with a compulsory guide has been in Nepal since 1st April 2023, the Khumbu region doesn’t follow this rule.
Note that trekkers do have to follow all the rules and get a trekking card, also known as the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. Since you can trek solo, there is no compulsion to have a guide to get the permits for the Everest Base Camp trek.
What is a Trek Card?
A Trek card is a digital permit required for the Everest Base Camp trek. The main objective of the trek card is to keep track of all the trekkers on the trail. Trek cards are mandatory since the 23rd of September, 2022. There are, in total, six checkpoints throughout Everest Base Camp’s trail.
Trekkers are to scan the trek card at these checkpoints before leaving a place in the morning and at their final destination of that day, where they spend the night. This is solely for the trekker’s safety and keeping track of the trail.
Where can you get the Trek Card for the Everest base camp trek?
One can get the Trek Card at Lukla. Documents for it are colored photocopies of your passport. Upon your arrival at Lukla, where you get the Khumbu permit, you submit the photocopy, and they will take your picture for the trek card. Trek cards can be easily obtained online from the Khumbu municipality’s trek card app or website.
How much does the trek card cost?
It is free of cost, and there is no fee required for the Trek card itself. You pay for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Area permit and proceed further.
Can you pay in USD or any other foreign currency to get permits?
No, to get any sort of permit from any place in Nepal, one needs to pay in Nepali currency. For this, you can simply exchange your country’s currency for Nepali rupees through banks, ATMs, or money exchange centers. Some trusted exchange centers are Dolphin Money Exchange, North Point Money Exchange, Annapurna Money Exchange, etc.
While exchanging money from exchange centers or any other medium other than banks and ATMs, make sure they have the required authority. This prevents possible scams. If you are trekking through a travel agency to Everest Base Camp, you can simply ask them to exchange your money for Nepalese currency.
Do guides need to obtain permits to trek to the Everest base Camp?
No, the local guides do not need any trekking permits to trek to the mighty Everest Base Camp.
Local guides in the Everest Base Camp region don’t require trekking permits. They’re exempt because they’re familiar with the area and serve as experienced guides. These guides, often residents of Khumbu or with extensive experience, play a crucial role in assisting and ensuring safety.
They don’t need permits themselves but assist trekkers in obtaining the necessary ones. They ensure trekkers have all required documents and permissions, following regulations set by local authorities.
This exemption recognizes their vital role in facilitating treks while maintaining regulations and ensuring safety and enjoyment for all.
